In the Batlow region of New South Wales, Australia, the Smart family's 23-hectare orchard, Tingira, adopts a quality-first strategy, resulting in 98% of their apple crop being harvested in a single pick in 2023. The season's average pack out was 84.7% Class 1 fruit, with the average orchard gate revenue (OGR) surpassing the industry forecast of $456/bin.
Jeremy Smart, a fourth-generation grower, emphasizes that quality underpins their operations, a value instilled by his parents, Michael and Sharon Smart. Targeting premium markets, particularly independent retailers, and avoiding supermarkets allows Tingira to achieve premium pricing for their Batlow Apples branded fruit.
Utilizing anti-hail netting and maturity testing ensures fruit is harvested at optimal maturity, contributing to the high-quality produce. The orchard has transitioned to more efficient planting and harvesting methods, including the use of a Revo harvest platform, leading to significant cost savings and quality improvements. The meticulous approach to fruit selection during harvesting has also lifted pack out rates, with some varieties achieving up to 98% Class 1 ratings. This focus on quality and efficiency underscores Tingira's successful strategy in the competitive apple market.
Source: apal.org.au